Nesting — evidence that women are naturally equipped to be mothers

Nesting: Nature’s Way of Saying, “Get Ready, Mama.”

There comes a moment in late pregnancy when an unstoppable urge takes over — a strong (maybe irrational) urge to reorganize the linen, clean the baseboards and maybe even buy an SUV. This urge feels as vital as breathing, somehow staying up late doing deep cleaning makes perfect sense in the pregnant brain.
People kind of joke about nesting as if it’s a funny little episode to expect in pregnancy. But! There’s actually some beautiful significance to nesting that’s worth knowing. Nesting is evidence that women are naturally equipped to be mothers — even before the baby is born.
The Mammal in You Knows What’s Coming

Every mammal — from a mouse to a mare — starts “nesting” as birth approaches. It’s not really about “getting chores done ahead of time so you can rest after the birth” It’s actually more about creating safety.

In nature, the nesting instinct protects both mother and baby. If you’ve ever had a domestic animal (your pet dog or cat) give birth in your home, you’ll remember their behaviors. Your momma cat will drag your favorite sweater into the dark, out of the way corner of a closet and hide there until the kittens are born. They don’t ever build their “nest” in the high traffic area of your house. It’s all about privacy and moving away from anyone or anything that can pose a risk. If you ever had a dog who birthed at your home, you may have been told by your veterenarian to take momma dog out of her kennel into the yard to empty her bladder after the first puppy is born. The momma dog will not birth the next puppy in the yard because chemically, she thinks there may be a threat. So, she’ll stop her labor until she gets back into her kennel (her nest) and the humans leave the room. You, with your sudden compulsion to deep-clean and stock snacks, are simply doing the human version of that same primal ritual: making sure your space says, “We are safe here.”

The Purpose Behind the Urge

Biologically, nesting is your nervous system aligning with the hormonal orchestra of late pregnancy. Rising oxytocin and estrogen trigger a beautiful sequence of changes that will bring the baby. The shift in hormones sharpens your focus, heightens your sensitivity to your surroundings, and helps you have clarity of what you need to feel safe in labor.

Nesting as Confidence Building

Here’s the deeper truth: every time you follow that instinct — whether it’s washing the baby’s clothes, setting up your birth space, or simply making a pot of soup — you’re reaffirming your body’s wisdom. In those final days of pregnancy, you are rehearsing trust. You are practicing listening to your instincts. It’s like your instinctive actions are saying “I know what to do. I was made for this.”

How to Nest Intentionally

If you feel the nesting energy coming on strong, lean into it — just don’t let it run you ragged. Here are some things you may want to consider focusing on when your urge to clean hits:

• Create a birth space that feels safe and calm. Dim lights, familiar smells, soft textures — these tell your nervous system it’s okay to relax. Remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time in your bedroom during the first weeks after the birth. If there’s a project you’ve been meaning to get to, do it now! Nothing is worse than being stuck in bed feeling irritated by an unfinished project.

• Prepare nourishment. Cook a few easy meals or snacks for postpartum you — and maybe for the rest of your family. Your partner may offer to cook for you. But, there’s a good chance your partner will be awake a lot during the night helping you. And they may be too tired to cook healthy meals.

• Set yourself up for success. Having your supplies clean and organized can really make your early days of parenting so much smoother.

Nesting isn’t neurotic — it’s nature.
It’s your hormones, your instincts, and your love all conspiring to prepare you for one of the most powerful acts of your life.
When you feel the pull to clean, to plan, to make space — celebrate that you are already driving hard to keep your baby safe!
That’s your body saying: “I’m ready to welcome life.”

Introducing: The Midwives Podcast — Where Birth Stories Meet Wisdom

What happens when two passionate, experienced midwives decide to turn their heart-centered calling into a podcast? You get The Midwives Podcast — a soul-nourishing space where birth stories are honored, voices are heard, and midwifery wisdom is lovingly sprinkled into every episode.

Meet Margie and Amy — best friends, birth workers, and now podcast hosts. With decades of experience supporting families through pregnancy, labor, and beyond, they’ve witnessed firsthand how powerful storytelling can be. Time and time again, they’ve seen how hearing another woman’s story — raw, real, and unfiltered — can help someone feel less alone, more prepared, and deeply empowered.

Their vision? To create a safe, supportive circle of voices, where women can share their birth experiences without judgment, shame, or sugarcoating. Every episode of The Midwives Podcast is rooted in love, truth, and the belief that knowledge shared is power multiplied.

“Every birth matters. Every story deserves to be told. And every woman deserves to feel seen and supported in her choices,” says Amy.

Through these deeply personal conversations, listeners will hear a tapestry of births: home, hospital, VBAC, cesarean, ecstatic, complicated, triumphant, healing. Alongside each story, Margie and Amy gently weave in their own midwifery insights — offering guidance, clarity, and comfort without ever overshadowing the storyteller.

“We’re not here to give advice. We’re here to offer context, to normalize the wide spectrum of birth, and to help listeners tune into their own wisdom,” Margie adds.

Whether you're pregnant, postpartum, a birth worker, or just someone who believes in the power of women's voices, The Midwives Podcast invites you to pull up a chair, pour some tea, and listen in. It’s more than a podcast — it’s a movement to reclaim birth as something sacred, personal, and powerfully ours.

New episodes drop every Thursday. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts — and if you’ve got a story to share, Margie and Amy would love to hear from you.

Why More Families Are Choosing Traditional Midwifery Care Over OB-Led Births

When it comes to bringing new life into the world, how we give birth—and who supports us—makes all the difference. While obstetrician-led hospital births remain the norm, more families are turning toward traditional midwifery care for a more personalized, empowering experience.

Midwives like Margie at Frisco Birth and Amy at Swiss Avenue Birth are at the heart of this movement, offering evidence-based care rooted in trust, relationship, and the belief that birth is a natural, transformative process.

The Midwifery Model: Whole-Person Care

Unlike the traditional medical model, midwifery care is centered around the birthing person. Midwives like Margie and Amy spend time getting to know their clients, listening to their goals, and supporting them through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with compassion and continuity.

They are highly trained to care for low-risk pregnancies, monitor maternal and fetal health, and create a calm, informed environment for birth—whether that’s at a birth center or in your home.

OB vs. Midwife: Not Better or Worse, Just Different

Let’s be clear—obstetricians are essential for high-risk cases and complications. But for healthy pregnancies, midwives offer a safe alternative that often includes:

• Lower rates of unnecessary interventions

• Fewer cesarean sections

• Higher client satisfaction

• Longer, more personal visits

Midwives like Amy and Margie work within collaborative models and will refer or transfer care if a medical situation arises—so you can rest easy knowing your safety is always the priority.

Is Waterbirth Safe?

Yes—and it’s beautiful, too.

Waterbirth is a safe, evidence-based option for many low-risk pregnancies. It offers natural pain relief and a more relaxed birthing atmosphere. With skilled midwives like those at Frisco Birth and Swiss Avenue Birth, waterbirth is monitored closely to ensure safety for both parent and baby.

Support That Continues After Birth

One of the biggest differences midwives bring to the table is comprehensive postpartum care. From breastfeeding support to mental health check-ins and newborn care guidance, midwives don’t disappear after delivery. They’re there to support the full transition into parenthood.

Midwives like Margie and Amy go above and beyond to make sure families are thriving—emotionally, physically, and practically.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between an OB and a midwife is a deeply personal decision. But for families who want more autonomy, personalized care, and a gentle, family-centered birth, traditional midwifery is a powerful option.

To learn more about the midwifery model and hear real stories from families and birth workers alike, check out The Midwives Podcast—where we dive deeper into what it means to birth with intention, confidence, and community.

Ready to explore midwifery care?
Connect with your local midwives:
🩷 friscobirthcenter.com
💜 swissavebirth.com